For Matt Patricia, football isn't just a game; it's a craft shaped by layers of strategy, preparation, and execution. Yet, he feels that much of today's coverage of the game barely scratches the surface. A longtime NFL defensive mastermind, Patricia believes fans deserve more than just flashy highlights and bold opinions—they deserve to understand the deeper chess match that unfolds on the field.

"Hot takes are fun, but they're not the whole story—nowhere close," Patricia explains. "I think the fans are craving a deeper understanding of the game, which allows them to enjoy it on a more advanced level."

With COACH, the educational football podcast he created and co-hosts alongside legendary coach Bill Belichick and former NFL executive Mike Lombardi, Patricia is on a mission to pull back the curtain on the intricacies of football. It's not just about touchdowns and sacks; it's about understanding the why behind every decision, formation, and play.

What Is the COACH Podcast?

Unlike traditional sports media, which thrives on rapid-fire commentary, COACH digs deep into the strategic and technical aspects of football. Hosted by three of the NFL's sharpest minds, the show serves as an educational resource for fans who crave more than the usual soundbites and highlight packages.

Each episode unpacks topics like situational football, roster management, and game preparation. Patricia, Belichick, and Lombardi offer fans a chance to experience the game the way coaches, players, and executives do, with an emphasis on strategy, preparation, and execution.

The hosts' credentials speak for themselves:

  • Bill Belichick, the most successful NFL coach in history, is a master tactician who shares decades of in-game and leadership insights.
  • Matt Patricia, renowned for his expertise as a defensive coordinator, translates complex schemes into lessons fans can grasp.
  • Mike Lombardi, a former general manager and front-office leader, provides a rare glimpse into the business side of football, from trades to draft strategies.

Together, they combine their experience into what Matt Patricia affectionately calls the "Belichick Encyclopedia." The goal is to demystify football and give fans a chance to see it in a new light.

Inside Patricia and Belichick's Longtime Collaboration

One of the most compelling elements of COACH is the decades-long friendship between Matt Patricia and Bill Belichick, built through years of working side by side with the New England Patriots. Together, they were key figures in one of the most successful dynasties in NFL history, with their shared obsession for preparation and detail setting them apart. The podcast reflects this dynamic, as listeners get to witness the same kind of collaboration that led to championship victories.

Patricia and Belichick often share behind-the-scenes anecdotes, like hours spent cutting film late into the night or trading notes on the best books to refine tackling techniques. They also reminisce about running intense practices and the effort required to perfect even the smallest details. These stories offer fans a glimpse of the unparalleled work ethic and trust that powered their success on the field—and now fuels their mission to share their knowledge with a wider audience.

Beyond the Basics: Tackling Strategy, Situational Mastery, and More

One of the podcast's most impressive features is its focus on fundamentals that often go unnoticed by casual fans. Tackling is a prime example, but the show dives into a wide range of topics, including defensive schemes, offensive play design, and the mental game behind situational football.

Tackling: The Forgotten Fundamental

One of the examples discussed on COACH is the art of tackling—an often-overlooked element that can make or break a game. Patricia and Belichick break it down into two main categories:

Inline Tackling: These are the gritty, close-contact tackles made near the line of scrimmage. It's all about shedding blockers, maintaining proper leverage, and executing precise techniques to stop the ball carrier in their tracks.

Space Tackling: Far more challenging, these open-field tackles demand defenders to manage their closing speed, establish leverage, and time their contact perfectly to prevent big plays.

The hosts emphasize the critical role of leverage, angles, and safe tackling technique in turning potential missed opportunities into game-changing stops. These discussions not only provide insight for players but also help fans appreciate why a missed tackle occurs—or how a perfect one can shift momentum entirely. Tackling may seem basic, but the analysis offered on COACH reveals how intricate and impactful this fundamental really is.

The Chess Match of Situational Football

Another illustrative topic explored on the podcast is situational football, which Patricia believes doesn't get enough credit from most fans. Situational football revolves around making precise decisions regarding clock management, field positioning, and matchups during critical moments.

To bring this concept to life, the hosts often examine Aaron Rodgers' legendary performances, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. Whether it's a last-second Hail Mary or a flawlessly timed sideline pass, Rodgers epitomizes what Patricia describes as "the mental clock of a quarterback."

"Rodgers is dangerous in situational football because he knows exactly what he needs—yards, time, and opportunities," Patricia explains. "If you don't keep him contained, he'll beat you."

These examples show that situational football isn't just about raw athleticism; it's a blend of preparation, instinct, and understanding the game's finer points. Through detailed analysis, Matt Patricia and Bill Belichick highlight how mastering these moments can make the difference between winning and losing.

Inspired by John Madden: Teaching the Game

For Matt Patricia, the inspiration to teach fans comes from one man: John Madden. Growing up, Patricia admired how Madden brought football to life for viewers with his energetic yet deeply educational commentary.

"I fell in love with the game of football because of John Madden," Matt Patricia says. "The way he explained things—whether it was blocking schemes or a quarterback's decision-making—made the game feel accessible."

But Patricia laments that Madden's approach is a rarity today. "There's no one out there teaching the game like Madden did," he says. "Most people don't even know who John Madden really was. They know the video game, but they don't know the man who made people love football on TV."

Through COACH, Matt Patricia hopes to rekindle that spirit, offering fans a deeper connection to the sport. Whether it's explaining a defensive coverage or breaking down why a particular play failed, Patricia aims to make football as engaging and accessible as Madden once did.

The Fans Respond

Listeners of COACH have embraced its educational approach, often sharing how the podcast has transformed their understanding of the game. Fans praise the hosts for focusing on substance over spectacle:

  • "This show has been great for my football IQ. No frills, no BS, just great dialogue all year."
  • "Amazing show. I learned so much this season. Thank you."
  • "Truly the best football show on the planet."
  • "This is the best football podcast / show I have ever seen."
  • "This channel's content is so good—Belichick and Patricia are great together."
  • "This was like sitting in a film room with three of the best football minds out there."

The feedback confirms what Matt Patricia and his co-hosts set out to achieve: helping fans see football in a more nuanced and rewarding way.

More Than Just X's and O's

While COACH excels at explaining football fundamentals, it also dives into broader topics, such as how teams prepare for international games. Patricia recounts logistical challenges, like preparing for games in London, Mexico City, Germany, and even China, where teams must adjust to new time zones, cultures, and field conditions.

For example, in one episode, Patricia shares how the Patriots practiced in Hyde Park before a London game, turning a public space into an impromptu training ground. Stories like these give fans a peek behind the curtain, showing how preparation extends far beyond the field.

Changing the Conversation Around Football

At its core, COACH isn't just about educating fans—it's about respecting their intelligence. Matt Patricia believes that by giving fans the tools to understand the strategy behind the game, they'll come to appreciate it even more.

"Right now, everyone wants to be a GM because of fantasy football," Patricia says. "But if fans learn what it takes to be a coach and why matchups and preparation matter so much, it'll take their fantasy game to a different level."

For fans who crave more than just highlight reels, COACH is a breath of fresh air. With its focus on strategy, preparation, and the finer points of football, the show is changing the way people think about the game. As one listener put it:

"This show has been a privilege to enjoy."

And for Matt Patricia, that's what it's all about—sharing his passion for football and giving fans the deeper experience they deserve.